New Zealand v India 1st ODI Tips, Predictions and Preview

Gary Emmerson:

The T20Is came and went like a breeze with India blanking New Zealand 5-0, and the hosts will be keen to bounce back as the three-match ODI series kicks off at Seddon Park in Hamilton on Wednesday.

New Zealand have happy memories of the last time they played India – the semis of the ICC ODI World Cup, when they trounced the ‘Men in Blue’ by 18 runs. However, so much has changed since then – not least the injury concerns around the Kiwis squad.

Prediction

Match Preview

The Kiwis struggled with the results in the T20Is, but the form of their openers was a positive. Question marks hover over the availability of Kane Williamson for this match, but the presence of new faces puts them in a position to override the T20I series disappointments.

The likes of Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls and James Neesham bring a whiff of fresh air for the Kiwis. In the bowling front, they continue to miss out Trent Boult, but the addition of Kyle Jamieson adds a bit of excitement for the home fans.

India have their own injury concerns, with Rohit Sharma all but ruled out of the series. In addition, the visitors are going to miss Shikhar Dhawan and Hardik Pandya. The absence of a genuine all-rounder puts the team balance into focus, although Virat Kohli’s men are a team on a high.

KL Rahul looked in great touch in the T20Is and will once again be crucial for India’s hopes. It will be interesting to see if he’s slotted to play as a wicket-keeper as well. India’s bowling unit remains very strong with Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami leading the pacers and Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal leading the spinners.

Match Up

India were relentless in their pursuit for brilliance in the T20Is. Their success was built on a continuous charge to win at any cost. With a majority of the squad also part of the ODI team, India will be confident of continuing their charge. New Zealand will be under pressure to rise above the mediocre T20I performances to give a good account of themselves in the ODIs. The presence of Williamson is going to be a huge factor deciding how well the Kiwis can improve.

History & Statistics

  • India have won 11 of their last 15 completed ODIs, losing only four.
  • The chasing side has won five of India’s last seven ODIs.
  • India have won six of their last seven bilateral ODIs against New Zealand.
  • India have four of their last five bilateral away H2H ODIs.
  • New Zealand have won 20 of 29 ODIs played at Hamilton.
  • The chasing side has won New Zealand’s last five ODIs at this venue.
  • New Zealand have won four of their last five home ODIs.

Key Players

Ross Taylor averages 54.42 at this venue in 16 ODIs, with 3×100 and 5×50. That includes 1×100 and 1×50 against India in four knocks.

Virat Kohli averages 65.15 against New Zealand in 23 ODIs (SR 96.09, 5×100 7×50).